Imperium and PNNL continue with bio-jet venture

In the US, a joint venture project between biodiesel company Imperium Renewables and the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), part of the US Department of Energy (DoE), has produced some positive results.

The JV is focussed on the development of drop-in jet fuel using PNNL's technology. A significant amount of fuel has now been produced, according to Imperium, and a feasibility study is being carried out to test if it can be successfully blended into large volumes of conventional fossil-based jet fuel.

If the study proves successful, the partnership hopes to install the process in a commercial-scale plant located at the site of Imperium's existing biodiesel production plant, based in Hoquiam, Washington.

LanzaTech, Boeing, National Renewable Energy Laboratory, Orochem Technologies and the Port of Seattle are also part of the project.